Henri II, King of France, at the age of 28
Medium
engraving
Dimensions
41.3 × 29.3 cm
Classification
Department
Prints
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
In memory of Ralph King, gift of Mrs. Ralph King; Ralph T. Woods, Charles G. King; and Frances King Schafer
Accession Number
1946.308
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
About this artwork
Comparing Renaissance princes with distinguished ancient leaders was a common theme in laudatory speeches, literature, and art. In commemoration of Henri II’s coronation as King of France (reigned 1547–59), Nicolo della Casa portrayed the monarch as a valiant Roman general. Crowned with a laurel wreath, the king’s head is in full profile, the traditional format used on ancient coins and engraved gems. He wears a muscled ceremonial cuirass, its breastplate heavily ornamented with war trophies, me...